Community Liaison Worker

_**Join our Amazing E Fry Ottawa Team**_

**Community Liaison Worker - Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre**

**Job title**:Community Liaison Worker - Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC)

**Reports to**:Manager, Community Programs and Services

**Hours**:30 to 37.5 hours/week

**Language**:Bilingual Preferred*

**Salary**:$21.61 plus benefits (non-negotiable - unionized workplace)

**Our Community Liaison Worker**
- Provides support, advocacy, and assistance with community reintegration to adult women and gender-diverse folks at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC)
- Assesses client’s needs, identifies resources, coordinates discharge plans and facilitates referrals
- Is client focused and fosters an environment of respect and dignity

**Welcome**

**About E Fry Ottawa**

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa a is not-for-profit community agency that supports and advocates for women, gender-diverse people and men impacted by the justice system. We provide a diverse array of community-based and residential programming. Our work is aimed at reducing harm and oppression, supporting people to overcome barriers to reintegration, and empowering them to build a life of stability and resiliency. We are a feminist organization committed to working from a human rights and anti-oppression perspective, recognizing systemic barriers that lead to marginalization. We work with trauma-informed, person-centred principles to promote a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment that promotes healing, recovery, and successful reintegration.

**Core Responsibilities**

**Intake and Assessment**
- Complete intakes and assessments to support clients in OCDC using E Fry Ottawa tools.
- In consultation with the E Fry Ottawa Housing Team, administer the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) with clients who are experiencing housing instability.
- In consultation with E Fry Ottawa Community Counsellors, consult with community service providers to identify and prioritize clients interested in treatment and make appropriate referrals.
- Complete administrative paperwork as required.

**Release/Discharge Support**
- Work collaboratively with other E Fry Ottawa staff to offer pre-release planning, supportive counselling and access to E Fry programs and services
- Assist clients to access community-based programs, including mental health and substance use treatment providers, health care providers, housing, and other social supports
- Using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach, engage clients in identifying their strengths to overcome barriers upon release

**Ongoing supports/responsibilities**
- Attend and represent the Elizabeth Fry Society at weekly FIRM meetings and provide case management input to correctional staff at OCDC
- Keep up-to-date and accurate records (including logs, records, and statistical data) in accordance with the organization’s mandate and the requirements of the detention centre.
- Assist clients to connect with community supports, including lawyers, family and friends while ensuring compliance with court orders
- Maintain effective liaison with other agencies, professionals, and the community to contribute to the success of the client’s reintegration and rehabilitation goals

**Other responsibilities**
- Collaborate with other community agencies to share information, problem solve, identify emerging issues and trends, and coordinate services
- Complete ongoing reporting to meet requirements of the funder (Ministry of the Solicitor General) and E Fry Ottawa
- Participate in case management meetings and other meetings as required
- Complete other duties that may be assigned by the Manager, Community Programs and Services.
- Promote and deliver on the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

**Qualifications**

**Required education and experience**
- Experience and/or education equivalent to a post-secondary degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year experience engaging and collaborating with vulnerable populations; specifically, women and gender-diverse folks who are involved in the criminal justice system.
- Experience using a range of assessment and case management tools or willingness to be trained to use these tools.
- Experience working with communities who face multiple barriers such as poverty, discrimination criminalization, addiction, and mental health challenges.
- Have an updated clear Criminal Record Check working with a vulnerable population.
- Valid First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and ASIST certification considered an asset.

**Required knowledge, capacity, and commitment**
- A solid understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system
- A solid understanding of social factors which contribute to the criminalization of marginalized populations.
- An understanding of mental health and addiction issues, including knowledge of harm reduction strategies
- Ability to cope with challeng